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This is another band who have escaped my radar, having already released
two albums, Avatasia – The Metal Opera pt 1 & 2. As yet I haven’t had a
chance to pick these releases up, but judging by 'The
Scarecrow', I will be very soon. This album is
already marked down as one of my top albums of 2008, yes it is that good,
and it will take something special to erase it from the top 5 come the end
of the year.
'The
Scarecrow' is ambitious, grandiose and epic, the
songs exploring the journey of said Scarecrow. All music and lyrics were
written by the man himself, Tobias Sammet, vocalist/frontman of german
band Edguy. All the songs have elements of traditional, symphonic, thrash
and power metal with a hard rock base, lots of melody and powerful
performances from all musicians involved throughout.
Speaking of performances, the line-up is a who’s who in the world of rock,
along with Tobias we have Eric Singer
(Kiss/Alice Cooper)on drums, Henjo
Richter and Kai Hansen
(Gamma Ray) Rudolf Schenker
(Scorpions) and Sascha
Paeth on guitars and Roy Khan
(Kamelot), Jorn Lande, Michael
Kiske
(ex-Helloween), Alice Cooper, Bob Catley, Oliver Hartmann and Amanda
Somerville providing vocals.
'Twisted
Mind' opens the proceedings, featuring Roy Khan
on vocals. An eastern influenced intro gives way to Mr Khan’s warm tones
before Tobias kicks in with a truly operatic delivery. The guitars and
drums are big and bombastic, with some great hooks.
Then we’re onto the title track, 'The Scarecrow',
along with Tobias we have the incredidle vocal talent of Jorn Lande. A
celtic influenced opening leads us into a truly epic song, clocking in at
over 11 minutes. A huge, anthemic chorus and the celtic feel and
orchestration of the song make this a standout and favourite track on the
album. The middle section allows Sascha Paeth to lay down some beautiful
guitar passages.
'Shelter
From The Rain' sees Michael Kiske putting his
vocal talent to good use, the man may not like metal but he still has the
voice. This song also sees Bob Catley’s first appearance, and an
excellent vocal performance. This a fast-paced song, very reminiscent of
Kiske era Helloween, featuring Kai Hansen and Henjo Richter is probably
the reason why, verging on being a classic tune.
'Carry
Me Over' sees Tobias taking on the whole song.
This is a slower tune, very commercial with a contemporary feel, think
Harem Scarem over their last three albums, very catchy and infectious with
a great hook.
'What
Kind Of Love' is up next, featuring Amanda
Somerville in the main with contributions from Michael Kiske and Tobias.
This is a powerful and emotive song, conjuring up images of Enya from the
beginning. A fantastic emotional vocal delivery from Tobias could have
been over the top but with Mr Kiske providing a few vocal lines, keps it
in check.
Then we’re onto 'Another Angel Down',
slamming through the speakers, Jorn Lande unleashes his trademark vocal.
This is another standout and fave track on the album, frenetic and
powerful, with some tasty guitar work from Sascha Paeth and Henjo Richter.
This takes us into 'The Toy Master',
with Alice Cooper and Tobias sharing vocals. The structure on this song
is fantastic, great hooks and outstanding riffs abound . Lyrically the
song was made for Alice but a more operatic performance by any other
vocalist would have made this THE standout track on the album.
Next up is 'Devil In The Belfry',
with Jorn Lande paired up with Tobias once more. Another fast-paced,
double kick drum led tune with some great Gamma Ray guitars courtesy of
Henjo.
Onto another standout track, 'Cry Just A Little',
Tobias duetting with the masterful Bob Catley. A beautiful power ballad,
the vocal performance elevating the song to another dimension. A fabulous
vocal performance, Bob Catley just gets better with age.
'I
Don’t Believe In Your Love' sees Rudolph
Schenker make an appearance. Stamping his mark from the off, a total
Scorpions riff beating at the heart of the song. Oliver Hartmann sounds
like a young Coverdale, more controlled than Tobias, who really goes for
it vocally.
And here we are at the climax of the album, 'Lost
In Space'. The intro sounds familiar but I
just can’t put my finger on it. Amanda Somerville augments Tobias’
vocals, an inspired pairing on such a melodic song. Looking at the
concept as a whole, this song feels a bit lightweight to bring a climatic
end to what I feel is such a substatial piece of work, but it has a catchy
chorus and a contemporary feel.
A
couple of personal gripes apart, this is a fantastic album, a stellar cast
of musos, great production, solid muscianship, fantastic songwriting and
excellent performances from the individual vocalists. Can’t wait for the
next instalment!!
*Review by Brassy |
